Travels in India (Tavernier) 151.2.5

151.2.5

I replied boldly that I did not fear them, and that if they arrested me I had the honour to serve a Prince who was the late Monseigneur le Duc d'Orleans, who would get me in safety out of their hands, and would himself resent the affront they had done me. At the same time I departed from their presence without saying another word, and they also said nothing to me. Fifteen days passed without their speaking of this affair, and during this time I went to take exercise and even to dine with some of these gentlemen. One day the Avocat Fiscal, who had read much and liked to hear about foreign countries, asked me to supper; when we had left the table he took me apart and told me that he had to summon me on the following day, having received an order from the General, who wished to know, absolutely, what I had seen M. Constant do at Gombroon. “If it is to say what I have seen,” I replied, “I shall do so willingly, but I desire to be in the presence of the judges.” Morning having come, the officer did not fail to summon me. I followed him forthwith, and having entered the chamber, the President asked me at first if I would tell them something of what I had seen of M. Constant. I said, “I would satisfy him, and that I desired to give the account at full length,” with which the President and the Council told me they were quite content. As they had ordered silence for me, and I saw they awaited what I had to say to them with impatience, I spoke to them in the following manner: —